Four Reasons to Buy this Summer!

Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today, instead of waiting. 

1. Prices Will Continue to Rise CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index reports that home prices have appreciated by 7.1% over the last 12 months. The same report predicts that prices will continue to increase at a rate of 4.9% over the next year. The bottom in home prices has come and gone. Home values will continue to appreciate for years. Waiting no longer makes sense. 

2. Mortgage Interest Rates Are Projected to Increase Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows that interest rates for a 30-year mortgage have remained around 4%. Most experts predict that they will begin to rise over the next 12 months. The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac & the National Association of Realtors are in unison, projecting that rates will increase by this time next year. An increase in rates will impact YOUR monthly mortgage payment. A year from now, your housing expense will increase if a mortgage is necessary to buy your next home. 

3. Either Way, You are Paying a Mortgage There are some renters who have not yet purchased a home because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize that, unless you are living with your parents rent-free, you are paying a mortgage - either yours or your landlord’s. As an owner, your mortgage payment is a form of ‘forced savings’ that allows you to have equity in your home that you can tap into later in life. As a renter, you guarantee your landlord is the person with that equity. Are you ready to put your housing cost to work for you? 

4. It’s Time to Move on with Your Life The ‘cost’ of a home is determined by two major components: the price of the home and the current mortgage rate. It appears that both are on the rise. But what if they weren’t? Would you wait? Look at the actual reason you are buying and decide if it is worth waiting. Whether you want to have a great place for your children to grow up, you want your family to be safer or you just want to have control over renovations, maybe now is the time to buy. 

If the right thing for you and your family is to purchase a home this year, buying sooner rather than later could lead to substantial savings.

Call us today to help!

2 Myths Holding Back Home Buyers

In Realtor.com’s recent article, “Home Buyers’ Top Mortgage Fears: Which One Scares You?” they mention that “46% of potential home buyers fear they won’t qualify for a mortgage to the point that they don’t even try.”

Myth #1: “I Need a 20% Down Payment”

Buyers overestimate the down payment funds needed to qualify for a home loan. According to the First Quarter 2017 Homeownership Program Index (HPI) from Down Payment Resource, saving for a down payment was the barrier that kept 70% of renters from buying.

Rob Chrane, CEO of Down Payment Resource had this to say,

“There are many mortgage-ready renters today, but they don’t know it. Often, homebuyers remain sidelined for years due to the down payment.”

Many believe that they need at least 20% down to buy their dream home, but programs are available that allow buyers put down as little as 3%. Many renters may actually be able to enter the housing market sooner than they ever imagined with new programs that have emerged allowing less cash out of pocket.

Myth #2: “I Need a 780 FICO® Score or Higher to Buy”

The survey revealed that 59% of Americans either don’t know (54%) or are misinformed (5%) about what FICO® score is necessary to qualify.

Many Americans believe a ‘good’ credit score is 780 or higher.

To help debunk this myth, let’s take a look at Ellie Mae’s latest Origination Insight Report,which focuses on recently closed (approved) loans.

As you can see in the chart above, 53.2% of approved mortgages had a credit score of 600-749.

Bottom Line

Whether buying your first home or moving up to your dream home, knowing your options will make the mortgage process easier. Your dream home may already be within your reach.

Compliments of KCM

Three Great Reasons to Consider a Cash-Out Refinance

Interest rates on home loans are near their best levels of the year, while home values in many parts of the country have increased.  In this environment, many homeowners are considering a “cash-out” refinance.  This is where you pay off your old mortgage by getting a new mortgage with a higher balance.  The difference between the old loan and the higher-balance new loan is called “cash-out.”  That’s because you’re walking away from the new closing with cash.  Here are three reasons why you may want to consider a cash-out refinance:

• Pay off other debt that may carry a higher after-tax interest rate. For example, the interest on up to $100,000 of cash-out proceeds may be tax deductible if you itemize your deductions and if you’re not subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).  Please reference IRS publication 936 and see a CPA or tax advisor for more details.
• Make home improvements – keep in mind that there are some home improvements that may add to the value of the home or at least help you maintain its value. These may include an addition to the house, a new kitchen, and upgraded landscaping.
• Prepare for a large upcoming expense – increasing your mortgage balance could be a budgeting strategy if you have a large upcoming expense that would otherwise cause you to go into credit card debt. These expenses can include unexpected medical bills, new furniture or major appliances.

The great thing about today’s low-interest rate environment is that your monthly payment on the new mortgage may end up being very close to what you’re paying right now.  

Please contact me for more information or to run the numbers for your specific scenario!

Aundrea 

702-326-7866

info@aundreabeach.com